Review of film: “NEVER BACK DOWN”

Review of film:   “NEVER BACK DOWN”   --  Get UP & see it  =

                        [ RATING:  7 of 10 stars ] 

Date Rated: Mar 12, 2008 | Rel. Date: Mar 14, 2008:

Based on an advance screening:  If you heard about the basic plot or saw a trailer and thought this seemed to be just a cheesy clone of the “Karate Kid” formula, you’d be WRONG. This is a surprisingly WELL-DONE story of dysfunctional families with school kids…

…  Two high school guys have father “issues” while pursuing the same pretty girl Baja (acted by AMBER HEARD): Rich bully Ryan (played by CAM GIGANDET) beats up Jake Tyler (played by SEAN FARIS) in order to look tough in front of spectators. Jake goes to a trainer (DJIMON HOUNSOU) to learn mixed-martial-arts as a means of protecting himself, and also learns how to control his misguided anger…

…   Sean’s new friend Max (EVAN PETERS) provides some comic relief. The film illustrates today’s Brave (& sometimes-frightening) New World of web- and video-based communications used by kids, the acting is surprisingly good & believable, the action scenes are well-constructed and shot, & I think you’ll also ENJOY this film.